Just Passed All Exams - Study Tips and Strategy
Helpful lessons from a construction lawyer on AIA contract interpretation.
- A133-2009, Owner-Construction Manager as Constructor Agreement
- A195-2008, Owner-Contractor Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery
- A295-2008, General Conditions of the Contract for Integrated Project Delivery
- B195-2008, Owner-Architect Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery"
So although these are not mentioned in the guide below, it seems they will be integrated from this point forward.

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Thanks for sharing such a detailed and thorough review of your test-taking experience and the resources you used to pass your tests, Emily. I found this very helpful.
I am taking PA and PPD next and I am curious how much you felt that these tests tested on the IBC and ADA content. It is so much information and I am trying to figure out how much time I want to dedicate to studying those resources vs how much time to spend reviewing more "general" siting and design concepts. -
Hey Nancy,
In my experience, for PA and PPD, it is important to know some basic concepts of IBC and ADA. ADA-wise, it's a good idea to learn the fundamentals of ramp dimensions and turning spaces - these can come up on space planning questions. For IBC, it's most important to be conceptually fluent in egress concepts, as well as occupancy types, construction types and their relationship to building size. (And I highly recommend renting BCI on Amazon, it makes understanding IBC way easier.)
Mostly you'll be tested on your ability to find the answers you need within the code. Still, those questions can be difficult to approach if you've never seen the material before, so familiarity with concepts is definitely key. Read through the relevant ADA/IBC chapters until you feel you understand the substance, then move on.
Good luck!
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If this is the Emily Margulies I think it is, you were my first introduction to NCARB, and now we've come full-circle! I'm halfway through my tests and gearing up for a retake of PPD. I was under-prepared for the new test format the first time I took PPD, but I think your test-taking tips will help me a lot. Thank you for sharing!!
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Hi Emily,
Thanks for this post and congratulations on passing.
A couple of questions. On the Project Management test, what edition of AHPP did you study from. It seems like different editions have different content on same chapters.
Also which year of the Harden Lectures you used. Also the same concern as with AHPP.
This will help very much without giving any "spoilers". Rather it will avoid confusion.
Thanks!
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Oh Wow! This post is what I was looking for!!! I just did the transition from 4.0, and now I'm preparing my materials for my last two (PDD and PPD) Thanks a million Emily!!, Also, It's really amazing how you did it with these six tests in such a short time. Congratulations for that!!!
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Diaaaache!
No te puedo dar mi contacto por aquí pero si llamas la oficina nos ponemos al dia. Un abrazo y éxito mi hermano!
www.d2architecture.com -
Congratulations Emily on clearing all your exams in one go. I am wondering if anyone (or you) in this forum is willing to sell the used study material for my use. I have just been cleared to take my exams (ARE 5.0) by the board and I am in the process of collecting the study material for my exams. Let me know if you anyone else is willing to sell.
Thanks!
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